Regarding roofing, there are a lot of choices out there. But what are the cheapest roofing materials? It can be tricky to answer since so many variables are involved.
Material costs can vary widely, and labor costs can also fluctuate depending on the job. However, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most affordable roofing materials available to help you make the best decision for your home or business.
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Things to Consider Before Choosing a Roofing Material
Longevity
Regarding your roof, longevity should be one of your main concerns. Of course, you want to ensure it will stand up to the test of time because it protects your home from the elements. But with so many roofing materials on the market, how can you know which one will last the longest?
Asphalt shingles are easy to install and relatively inexpensive. With proper care and maintenance, they can last 10 to 15 years. However, they are not the longest lasting roofing material on the market.
That honor goes to metal roofs, which can last 50 years or more. Metal roofs are also energy efficient, reflective of sunlight, and fire resistant, making them an excellent choice for any home. However, they can be more expensive than asphalt shingles and require professional installation.
Regarding your roof, longevity should be one of your main concerns. After all, your roof is what protects your home from the elements, so you want to make sure it will stand up to the test of time. But with so many roofing materials on the market, how can you know which one will last the longest?
Asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and they can last 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. However, they are not the longest lasting roofing material on the market.
That honor goes to metal roofs, which can last 50 years or more. Metal roofs are also energy efficient, reflective of sunlight, and fire resistant, making them a great choice for any home. However, they can be more expensive than asphalt shingles and require professional installation.
So when it comes to choosing a roofing material, be sure to consider longevity. A cheaper roof that lasts 10 to 15 years might be perfect for homeowners who don’t mind doing house projects every few years. But for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it solution, a metal roof is the way to go.
Cost
For home and business owners, the cost is often a major deciding factor in choosing a roofing contractor. However, it’s important to remember that your roof is the most important investments you can make in your property.
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So while getting a good deal is important, you also want to make sure you choose a roofing material that will last. Metal roofs are widely considered the longest-lasting roofing material available, so although they may have a higher upfront cost, they could save you money in the long run.
When deciding about your roof, it’s important to weigh all the factors carefully to make the best choice for your property.
Roof Repair Costs
Asphalt shingles are the longest lasting roof material, with a lifespan of about 15-30 years. They are also the cheapest roof material, making them a popular choice for homeowners.
However, asphalt shingles are more vulnerable to hail and wind damage than metal roofs. As a result, they may not be covered by insurance.
It is a relatively easy and inexpensive process if you need to replace an asphalt shingle. Remove the damaged shingle and replace it with a new one.
When choosing a roof for your home, keep in mind that metal roofs are more challenging to replace. They don’t have as many warranties or insurance coverage options.
Required Roof Maintenance
Most people don’t think twice about their roof until there’s a problem. But your roof is actually one of the most important components of your home, and it needs regular maintenance to stay in good condition.
The longest lasting roof material is asphalt shingle, which can last up to 50 years with proper care. But even the best quality roof will eventually need to be replaced.
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The average longevity of an asphalt shingle roof is 20 to 30 years.
It’s time to consider a replacement if your home is over 20 years old. You can do a few things to extend the life of your roof, such as removing debris regularly and ensuring the ventilation is up to code.
Eventually, all roofs will need to be replaced at some point. So if you’re not planning on replacing your roof anytime soon, make sure you’re prepared for the eventuality by setting aside money for repairs and maintenance.
Aesthetics
New roofing isn’t just practicality-focused; you want it to enrich the beauty of your home! Choosing a material that complements both your aesthetic and siding sensibilities can significantly boost curb appeal – now, how’s THAT for an upgrade?
How Long Does a Roof Last?
The life of your roof is determined by its material; some roofs may last a decade, while others could stand the test for up to half a century! So let’s look at the lifespans of different roofing materials – from those that won’t hold out long to those designed with longevity in mind.
Commercial Roofs
Regarding flat roofs, short-term cost savings often come with long-term consequences. With lower durability resulting from weather and UV exposure, commercial roof materials that provide the biggest bang for your buck today can become costly investments in no time at all.
- Green roofs: 5 – 40 years
- TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin): 7 – 20 years
- EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer): 15 – 25 years
- Modified bitumen: 20 years
- BUR (built-up roofing): 20 – 30 years
Residential Roofs
Homeowners are often faced with a balancing act: getting the most return on investment from their roofing material or saving money up-front. But no need to fret! Here’s your cheat sheet of average lifespans, so you can make an informed decision and sleep soundly under whatever roof you choose.
- Asphalt Shingles (3-tab): 15 – 20 Years
- Asphalt Shingles (architectural): 30 Years
- Wood Shingles: 30 Years
- Metal Roof: 40 – 80 Years
- Copper Panels: 70+ Years
- Synthetic Slate: 50 – 70+ Years
- Slate: 75 – 150+ Years
- Clay Tiles: 100+ Years
- Concrete Tiles: 100+ Years
What Are the Longest Lasting Roofing Materials?
The Top 3 – Longest Lasting
- Slate is a natural stone. And it has been used for roofing for centuries. It is renowned for its durability and longevity, with many slate roofs lasting 100 years or more.
In fact, slate tiles are so tough that they are often used to create paving stones, floor tiles, and even cemetery markers. So while slate is an expensive roofing material, its long lifespan makes it a wise investment.
Slate is also low maintenance, fire resistant, and easy to clean. In addition, slate roofs are environmentally friendly as they can be recycled or reused when they are eventually removed. For all of these reasons, it is no wonder that slate tile is the longest lasting roofing material available on the market today.
- Clay roof tiles are the second longest lasting roofing material, with a lifespan of over 50 years. This makes them an ideal choice for long-term construction projects.
Clay tiles are made from natural clay that is fired in kilns to create a hard, durable tile. They are then glazed to create a waterproof surface. As a result, clay roof tiles are highly resistant to fire, wind, and hail, making them an ideal choice for areas that experience extreme weather conditions.
In addition, clay roof tiles are easy to repair and maintain, making them a low-maintenance option for homeowners. For these reasons, clay roof tiles are the perfect choice for long-term construction projects.
- An important consideration when choosing a roofing material is its durability because no one wants to have to replace their roof more often than necessary.
With that in mind, concrete roof tiles come at number three on our list of longest lasting roof materials. Concrete is an extremely strong and durable material, and concrete roof tiles can withstand heavy rains and high winds.
In addition, they are resistant to fire and hail damage. While they are not the longest lasting roofing option available, they are a good choice for those who want a roof that will stand up to the elements.
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The Bottom 3 – Shortest Lasting
- Roofing felt is a type of paper that is impregnated with bitumen, making it water-resistant. It is used as an underlayment for shingles, helping to protect the roof from moisture.
However, roofing felt has a relatively short lifespan, lasting only around 15 years. This is due to its exposure to the elements, which can cause the material to degrade over time.
In addition, roofing felt is susceptible to damage from wind and hail, making it important to inspect the material regularly for signs of wear. While roofing felt may not have the longest lifespan, it can be a cost-effective way to protect your roof.
- The average lifespan of a shed roof is around 15 years. However, shed roofs are often made from materials that are less durable than those used for homes, such as asphalt shingles.
As a result, they may need to be replaced more often. In addition, shed roofs are typically smaller than home roofs, which means that they are more exposed to the elements and are more likely to experience damage from wind and hail.
It is not surprising that the second shortest life expectancy on our list is that of shed roofing. While Shed roofs may not last as long as home roofs, they can still be a valuable addition to your property.
And they can provide many years of service with proper care and maintenance.
- While The third shortest life expectancy on our list is that of corrugated bitumen roofing sheets may not be the longest lasting roofing material, it does have its benefits. Bitumen roofing is a popular choice for commercial and industrial buildings because it is cheap and easy to install.
In addition, bitumen roofing is resistant to fire and UV radiation, making it an ideal choice for buildings in sunny or fire-prone areas. However, bitumen roofs are susceptible to damage from high winds and heavy hail, and they typically only last 20-30 years before needing to be replaced.
While they may not be the longest lasting option, bitumen roofs can be a good choice for budget-conscious buyers who need a durable roofing solution.
In Conclusion
For most homeowners, the roof is out of sight and out of mind. However, your roof plays a critical role in protecting your home from the elements. And it keeps your home in good condition is important.
As you can see, a wide range of options are available, and each has its unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Ultimately, the best roofing material for your home will depend on your budget, your aesthetic preferences, and the climate in which you live. By doing your research and talking to a qualified roofer, you can be sure to choose the material that best suits your needs.
